I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this Topical Issue for discussion. Every child is innocent and should have the opportunity to reach his or her full potential but the education system and the State are failing Traveller children. We have statistics showing that only 27% of young Travellers complete post-primary education compared to 97% of the wider population and less than 1% of Travellers go on to third level education. This issue is particularly topical in the context of a report from UCC entitled Traveller transitions - Racialised inequalities in education, which was launched today. It is qualitative research so it is the voice of young Traveller people themselves. One of the key findings was that young Traveller people find the loss of tailored supports in the transition from primary to post-primary school extremely difficult. Relationships between Traveller young people and school staff are crucial but most Traveller young people in this study reported negative relationships with teachers. There were a number of other findings and recommendations for Government, schools and for policymakers. Recommendations include ensuring that: Traveller young people are supported in the transition into secondary school from primary school; ethnic segregation practices are not happening at school; discipline practices are not disproportionately affecting Travellers; and practices of inclusion are informed by Traveller young people themselves. These recommendations reflect some of the key findings. Does the State have a strategy? It has a Traveller and Roma education strategy. I looked at the third progress report from December last year which is only a handful of months ago. It shows that a significant number of measures were only partially implemented or not implemented at all. We have been over this ground previously and have identified the barriers and what needs to happen but the necessary progress has not been made. What measures is the Government taking to support young Travellers and to increase the number of young Travellers who are completing primary and secondary school?

Sentiment score: 0.11

This is really important. I welcome a number of recent announcements by the Government related to DEIS plus and the DEIS plan. I will contest every inch of it but the principle of the transformational power of education and a specific focus on educational inequality is hugely important. Within that, there needs to be a particular focus on the Traveller population because the figures are absolutely shocking. I referred to the completion rate for the leaving certificate, but if we consider those on reduced hours or timetables and the rate of absenteeism, the potential is being ripped from the lives of these young people. The State can take significant steps through the education system and other services to support these young people. They deserve that opportunity the same as every other child. I will be happy to engage with the further consultations and progress reports. A wealth of effort has been put in to date. There is a roadmap but it needs to be actioned and implemented. The stakes are high here. The number of children that are being failed, falling through the cracks and are being left behind by dint of the fact that they are Travellers is a stain and a shame on the State.

Sentiment score: 0.19